Big 12 Conference Preview:

The high school season is here in the state of Illinois! With that, we look at one of the top conferences in the state and a couple of its prospects! <strong>Preseason Player of the Year Nominations: </strong> Rashamani Webb (<em>Normal West</em>) - Webb blew up this summer and with the energy and effort she plays with, she will be a focal point this year on a loaded Normal West team that will look to make a deep postseason run. She will be a fun watch and put up some massive numbers in every stat category this year. Jaida McCloud (<em>Richwoods</em>) - Richwoods should be favorite to win the conference again and McCloud will be the best player on that team. She had a stellar run this summer and committed to UIC. She's a super versatile player with an incredibly long wingspan. She combines an ability to finish around the rim and has developed a consistent shot from the outside. Also is a plus driver from the perimeter. Kylee Schneringer (<em>Normal Community</em>) - Schneringer has a diverse skillset and with Maya Wong's early graduation, Schneringer will be counted on to do even more and lead the Lady Irons. Kylee can do everything offensively: she can play in the post and on the perimeter. She has a smooth game with a fluid jump shot and tight handle. Chanice Willis (<em>Champaign Central</em>) - There's a lot of buzz about Champaign Central. They play a loaded schedule and are looking to finally make the leap<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> to state. Willis will be a key contributor for this to happen, Willis is looking to add to her stellar career at Champaign Central and win them a Regional Championship.</span> Erin Houpt (<em>Danville</em>) - Houpt is the only junior on this list and she will make a strong case to win it this year. Last year, as a sophmore, she was special and she will need to be special again this year for Danville to contend. She, like the rest of the players on this list, will be a box office must-see. Offensively, she is extremely skilled and can score in bunches. <strong>Preseason Conference Favorite:</strong> This should be a very entertaining conference this year. Richwoods isn't as talented as they've been in recent years, but there's still a ton of talent there and they have a culture that expects success. Normal West will compete with their depth, between Olivia Demosthenes and the Webb sisters. Champaign Central should make a push for the conference crown, returning all 5 starters from last year's team. Ultimately, McCloud and Nia Williams should be enough for Richwoods to win the conference. <strong>Ranked Prospects to Watch:</strong> <ul> <li>Jaida McCloud (<em>Richwoods</em>)</li> <li>Chanice Willis (<em>Champaign Central</em>)</li> <li>Olivia Demosthenes (<em>Normal West</em>)</li> <li>Chian Scott (<em>Urbana</em>)</li> <li>Derria Edwards (<em>Peoria</em>)</li> <li>Erin Houpt (<em>Danville</em>)</li> <li>Aija Gwin (<em>Champaign Central</em>)</li> <li>Jayden Wilson (<em>Champaign Central</em>)</li> <li>Nia Williams (<em>Richwoods</em>)</li> </ul> <strong>Top Contenders</strong> <ul> <li>Richwoods</li> <li>Normal West</li> <li>Champaign Central</li> <li>Normal Community</li> <li>Peoria High</li> <li>Danville</li> </ul> &nbsp; &nbsp;